Voters should be wary of the motives of entities with commercial interests who want them to ‘sign’ completed voting papers.
In the past, in some locations, these entities have contacted owners in relation to voting at the Annual General Meeting, invited them to ‘sign’ completed voting papers and advised them that once signed, to submit their voting papers in the manner stated on the voting paper.
Lobbying in relation to body corporate matters is not specifically regulated by legislation. But those persons who engage in such conduct in pursuit of personal and/or commercial gain, know that such conduct is contrary to the spirit and intent of the legislation.
They have intentionally misled lot owners to believe it is permissible for another party to fully or partially complete a voting paper on behalf of the owner. It is NOT.
In the case of Bayview Residences, the Body Corporate Adjudicator concluded that:
“If an owner simply signs a voting paper when someone else has ticked ‘yes’ or ‘no’ against each motion then the owner is not completing their voting paper themselves . . .” and declared those votes invalid.
Make your vote count. Please take a few minutes to read the voting papers and vote in favour of the results you want – not what someone else wants.
WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT A MOTION?
In the case of Ipomoea Court the Body Corporate Adjudicator said: “Each lot owner has 21 days’ notice of the motions on the agenda. If he or she wishes to find out more about a motion, he or she may contact the proponent of the motion, or the committee.”
Take time to read the AGM motions and if the explanatory notes are not clear, submit your questions to the Body Corporate Manager (cmg@completemanagementgroup.com.au) before you vote.